You are techY - A Podcast for Moms New to Tech: Recent Episodes
Ellen Twomey
Helping moms find flexible, meaningful, high paying work in tech. We offer training, interviews and strategies to help you find the tech job of your dreams!
Jess Carter, VP of Client Experience and Delivery Ops at Resultant, is a data-driven consulting leader with 10 years of experience in the industry and guess what, she can’t write code, not even a little bit. And yet, that hasn’t stopped her from thriving in tech.
In this episode, Carter shares her journey from project manager to VP and provides advice on how to approach a tech career. She emphasizes understanding the client's needs and fulfilling the mission, regardless of technical expertise. Listen in for a deeper understanding of the importance of soft skills in the industry and other practical tips on succeeding in the tech world.
Resources:
- Get more info about our upcoming events
- Join our FREE Facebook Group
On this episode, our host Ellen Twomey discusses the importance of authenticity and courage in the workplace through the lens of her personal experiences. She also touches on the challenges of entering the tech workforce, overcoming limiting beliefs, and the value of continuously learning new skills. Tune in for these valuable insights and more!
Resources:
- Get more info about our upcoming events
- Join our FREE Facebook Group
So often, people will say, “I’m more of a people person. Tech isn’t for me.” But believe it or not, the people side of the tech industry is just as important as the techy side.
In this episode, Erin Boomer, VP of Business Operations at NTT, explains why the stereotypical image of people spending their days with their fingers flying across keyboards is a pale representation of the opportunities tech can offer. And she would know. Erin has been in tech for the past decade and has had several people-facing roles that she’s loved. Listen in to gain a deeper understanding of the variety of job descriptions there are in tech and why women should confidently join the industry - it needs you!
Resources:
- Get more info about our upcoming events
- Join our FREE Facebook Group
“All of your thoughts are choices.” - Brooke Castillo
That simple but powerful quote can change your life if you’re ready to start getting intentional about what you’re thinking and why. Listen in to hear about The Model, a practice of cleaning out all of the thoughts and feelings crowding your brain and then deciding how you will react ahead of time. Resources:
- Get more info about our upcoming events
- Join our FREE Facebook Group
Diane Bloodworth has driven multiple tech ventures across a variety of products. Join us as Diane shares her experience working and succeeding in tech and gives her advice to find your own success.
Resources:
- Get more info about our upcoming events
- Join our FREE Facebook Group
How do you go from receptionist to Head of HR? What steps do you take to understand your financial goals and go achieve them? Kim Seals, Senior Partner at West Monroe and General Partner at The JumpFund has the answers to those questions and more on this episode. Listen in for expert advice on how to hire, grow, and lead an organization.
Resources:
- Get more info about our upcoming events
- Join our FREE Facebook Group
In the tech world, the name of the game is iteration. That applies to your portfolio as well. We encourage our students to get their portfolio’s to an MVP stage where they can share it and get feedback and then, you guessed it—iterate. Listen in for best practices for creating a portfolio that will help you get hired faster and for more money.
Resources:
- Get more info about our upcoming events
- Join our FREE Facebook Group
A major challenge in tech is the tendency to make problems too big—way too big. That can seem extremely daunting, but there is a simple solution, chunking. Breaking down roadblocks into manageable pieces and tackling them one at a time. This episode explains how to leverage chunking so you can nail down pesky problems when they pop up and get you on your way and on to mastery. Resources:
- Get more info about our upcoming events
- Join our FREE Facebook Group
Tamara Lucas, Founder and CEO of My Panda, saw a need—busy people in need of a little assistance and an obvious solution—capable people looking for part-time work. Step by step, she combined the two. Listen in as she describes her winding path into the tech startup world and why not diving too deep into the technical portion of the business has allowed her to stay focused on her customers and their actual needs.
Resources:
- Get more info about our upcoming events
- Join our FREE Facebook Group
Have you ever found providing healthy meals for your family without sacrificing the precious time you want to spend with them to be a challenge? Well, so did this episode’s guest, Erica Tuggle. She decided to do something bold about it! She started a concierge home cook service for the everyday family.
If you think that your husband is so frustrating, this episode might just have you rethinking what’s really on your mind. When finding our way through challenging growth, it’s easy to use our loved ones as a scapegoat. You’ve got the way, if this is the obstacle.
How do you think about your age? Are you old? Young? What if your age was JUST RIGHT?! I’m another year older and age is on my mind. Let’s dive into some of the preconceived notions about age and what our age really means.
Enjoy this encore episode of Success Story! Do you wonder what it is like to transition into the tech industry? In this episode, our very own Jocelyn Buckley shares her experience leveraging a background in marketing and music to understand customer needs and collaboration in her design practice. Listen as Jocelyn shares how she was able to leverage a lifetime of highly valuable experiences into a blossoming career in UX Design.
Imposter Syndrome may be a real thing, but it isn't something you just have to live with. Learn to identify imposter syndrome and then utilize the right tools to help you overcome it so imposter syndrome won't hold you back ever again.
Let's take a look at why products fail. You might be thinking that because you're new you're new, you’d design products that are less successful. Plenty of Industry professionals fail to do even the most basic customer research, create ux that is confusing and fail to execute effective development. Products fail for many reasons. Let's dive into the most common in this episode so you know what to avoid to create your successful product.
Let’s talk about starting new! It’s not the same as starting over and it doesn’t have to happen at the beginning of the year. Starting new happens when we begin our journey towards a new version of yourself. It also happens every time you recommit to that goal. You can start new today with new habits and new actions that get you closer to your goal of breaking into tech or leveling up.
If you are joining the tech field you have had to write a cover letter which can often bring anxiety. It’s important to remember that you are looking for a career, but the company is also looking for a new teammate. Join Ellen as she shares strategies to ensure your cover letter demonstrates your value and encourages the company to pursue YOU instead of you pursuing the company.
Diane Bloodworth has driven multiple tech ventures across a variety of products. Join us as Diane shares her experience working and succeeding in tech and gives her advice to find your own success.
Getting hired in tech starts with knowing you belong in tech. Join me as we talk about translating your skills and experiences into demonstrations of how techy you are now, not how techy you will be. Remember you are techy and companies want to hire techy women.
Kristen Casaubon is a former licensed social worker and stay at home mom who has successfully transitioned into UX design as a freelancer through the You are techY program. I know you’ll be encouraged as Kristen shares how taking steps before you’re completely ready is the way to succeed in tech.
It’s 2023 and this is your year! Are you thinking about breaking into tech? Listen to the women that have been there and found success in their dream jobs! Don’t wait another year to pursue your own dreams - you deserve to do what you love and your future is here!
Evelyn Haupt is a mother of her 10 year old daughter, a You are techY alum, and a UX designer. Evelyn recently found her dream job in tech and is joining the show to share insights and lessons from her techy journey. Join us as Katelyn shares how she landed her new role in tech and how you can do the same in your own career.
How important is confidence in the journey to getting hired in the tech job of your dreams? It’s everything! Before you enroll in another course, tune in as I break down the steps you should take to gain the confidence you need to get hired faster for more money.
Encore! Jen Dewalt built 180 websites in 180 days. It was a project that went virtual when she least expected it and one that propelled her career as a serial entrepreneur. Jen was recommended for the podcast by (Tools of) Titan(s) Derek Sivers. After speaking with Jen, it made complete sense why Derek recommended her. She is fun, kind, interesting and successful. She is also a fabulous mentor on the path to getting hired in tech or really any hard-to-reach goal that you truly commit to doing. Keep it simple. Be persistent. Keep going through the hard. Tune to hear Jen’s story. I know you’ll love her spirit, humility and generosity.
When you face challenges in work and life what do you do? When you face a challenge how do you ensure you are addressing the issues causing it? In the field of tech challenges aren’t only expected but often lead to better products! Join me as I explain how to change perspective when facing a challenge to find the best solutions.
Katelyn Meyer is a mother of two boys, a woman leader in tech and the inspiration for You are techY. Katelyn recently leveled up for yet another time taking a position as a Product Operations Manager for Total Expert. Join us as Katelyn shares how she landed her new role in tech and how you can do the same in your own career.
Can you describe your dream job? Are you uncertain about applying for your dream job? Are you looking for an advantage in landing your dream job? Join me as I give you the tools to define the job of your dreams and discuss the importance of growing your network.
Here at You are techY, so many of our students say “I need to do meaningful work”. They think that means being confined to certain industries, or only doing a certain type of work in tech. In this episode Erin Ziebart and I had a great time discussing tech itself being a social good. Join us as we chat about how much tech needs people who care, and how you can make a profound impact in the world and on those around you through working in tech.
Do you have ideas for the next life changing technology? Are you trying to find a way to turn your vision into a product? Being aware of common barriers to products can help you prepare to overcome them. In this episode I share strategies for overcoming product roadblocks that can prevent great products reaching the market.
Does tech really need moms? I say a resounding YES! In this episode you will hear the second half of my presentation for Tech Moms as well as some of the questions the audience had. We tackle how to find confidence in your quality and your resume as well as the importance of expanding your circle of tech contacts for future opportunities in work and learning.
Does tech need me? This is the question that You are techY helps women answer so they can pursue the tech job of their dreams. What skills are needed to enter a career path that offers great pay, flexibility and job satisfaction? Join me as I give part one of a two part presentation to the wonderful organization Tech Moms on why moms need tech.
Are you considering the leap into tech? Are you interested in a working environment where you are able to spend meaningful time in deep work, without constant interruptions? In this episode, I share the beauty of autonomous work in tech. Join me as we break down how tech maximizes efficiency by trusting you, the expert, to manage your output and your results.
Are you hiring for a role in tech, desperate for motivated and detail-oriented candidates? It’s time to hire a mom! This episode will help you unlock tremendous talent that will add incredible value to your team. Join me as we break down the tips for making your workplace more friendly to women, especially moms, in tech and how they can become key contributors in your organization.
Katey Silvers is a UX designer who has turned experiences in a prior career with Occupational Theory into skill to apply to the tech career of her dream. Katey shares her experience of taking the leap into a new field and how her experience with You are techY helped to develop the skills needed to land her dream job.
Encore - success story! Brittany Cates shares her incredible story of how she made the transition from elementary school teacher to UX designer while teaching full time during a global pandemic. I know you’ll be inspired as you listen to Brittany share about overcoming self-doubt and getting hired as a full time UX designer.
Are you a hiring manager in tech that can’t seem to get those star candidates? Do you find your hires lacking the drive needed to excel in your organization? This episode might just revolutionize your hiring process. Join me as we break down the incredibly valuable experience and skills You are techY students will bring to your organization.
Do you get trapped in the cycle of chasing the next skill? Do you find yourself struggling to make progress on your goals? Slipping down this rabbit hole can leave you feeling overwhelmed in your tech journey. In this episode I share strategies for identifying the goals that will move you forward and help to critically review your progress to maximize your work.
Are you a decision maker in tech hiring? Or perhaps you want to increase the diversity of your workforce but don’t know where to start? In this episode, I’m talking to you! You are techY is partnering with organizations like yours and people like you that are really and truly committed to increasing the percentage of women in tech - which is currently only ~25%. Tune in to hear how you can partner with You are techY and make a profound impact on bringing more women to tech this year!
Are you a manager looking to build the strength and capabilities of your team? Or maybe are you looking for your next role and a great manager is on your wishlist? Then this episode is for you! In this episode, we take a deep dive into how to be the kind of manager that teaches and empowers employees to grow, set and accomplish goals and overcome roadblocks.
Brittany Cooper is the founder of One Unified Homewhere she details budgeting with a focus on monthly grocery shopping with a fun and approachable personality. In this episode, Brittany shares how she went from being a stay at home mom to tech founder by accomplishing one goal at a time and answering the question: “What’s for dinner tonight?”
Most people wouldn’t say interviewing for jobs is their favorite activity. But I say it can be a pleasant experience! How can you show up to interviews as your best, most authentic self? How can you present yourself while interviewing with confidence and humility? You deserve to get hired in the tech job of your dreams, and you deserve to feel confident and self-assured throughout the hiring process. Tune in as we take a deep dive into the fundamentals you can and should incorporate as you prepare for your job interviews in tech.
How can you make the best choice for your career when there are many types of work environments in tech? Today we are discussing working for an agency vs. working in house. Two former You are techY students provided very interesting insights about their experiences - and many times their answers are opposite! There are many ways to have a career in tech, so tune in to hear how you can decide which environment is best for you.
Reem Jaghlit is the CEO of Are.Jei, providing personalized, tech-inspired jewelry. She has a storied career in technology beginning with working as a web designer through her most recent post before Are.Jei as the head of DEI / VP of Engineering at ActiveCampaign. Reem is a mother, a leader and now an entrepreneur. I know you will be encouraged by Reem’s fascinating story and generous advice for women interested in a career in tech.
When the potential for learning is nearly infinite in tech, how do you stay on track to remain laser focused on your goals? How do you keep yourself from becoming completely overwhelmed with what you should be learning or doing next? In this episode of the podcast, we uncover the tech fundamentals you should focus on and how to return to these fundamentals in moments of overwhelm or distraction.
We love talking about communication at You are techY. It’s the basis of every team and it’s how things get done in tech. In an agile environment, there is lots of room for super-star communicators. So how does this relate to product ownership, and what is it? Product Owners may have an official title or they may be completing tasks as part of a team with a different title. Tune in to hear how you can leverage your communication skills to get hired in the tech job of your dreams.
Monica Blanchard is the head of people operations at Hip eCommerce, where she supports the recruitment, retention and culture efforts of the organization. Monica is also a mom and a wife and she works hard to bring more women into tech. Tune in to hear how Monica got her start in the tech world while being a new mom and how she now leads people operations by looking not only for experience, but the hunger in candidates to grow and learn throughout their careers.
Have you ever wondered what You are techY coaching is all about? In this episode, I share clips from Hot Seat Group Coaching and you get to hear from current You are techY students as they get coached by me. You’ll hear what my students hear every week, and how they are developing a techy mindset and confidence to get hired in the tech jobs of their dreams.
Getting teams organized and tracking their work is one of the biggest challenges in tech. While the agile process started out as a software development concept, it has become a way of organizing teams and completing blocks of work for UX teams, product teams and more. In this episode, I share all about the agile process and how it relates to UX work. Tune in to hear how understanding agile will help you get hired in the tech job of your dreams!
My students are the entire reason why You are techY exists - because moms and women belong in tech! I am here to tell you how proud I am of you, and how much I see you growing and becoming so very techy. In this episode I share about my deep love for my students, how they show up week after week to pursue the tech job of their dreams, and how you can become a You are techY student too. I hope to see you in our coaching sessions very soon!
Here at You are techY we always say “get hired faster for more money”. So how does continuing education fit in? Certifications and advanced degrees are great, but are they for you right now? In this week’s episode of the podcast, I share the questions you should be asking yourself before asking “should I get certified?”. Tune in to hear how getting hired first leads to paid certifications and how to determine the best time to pursue them.
Maybe you’ve heard of SEO: Search Engine Optimization. In this week’s episode, I bring clarity to how SEO can be part of the UX process in addition to the marketing process. We dive into the details so that you can gain a better understanding of how SEO can help the UX of websites. Tune in to hear about free resources about SEO that will help you in your tech learning journey.
Michael runs the Tandarich Group, a marketing agency that helps clients with their marketing, digital ads, and website designs. He has built a successful business while working from home, being a dad and now creating an incredible graphic design course. Tune in to hear how he networked his way to success and how you can get a discount on his new course!
How do you feel about cutting edge technology? We here at You are techY say you belong in the thick of it! Because women only make up 20% of people employed in tech, your voice is desperately needed to shape these incredible industries because they are here to stay and they will affect the lives of our children, grandchildren, and beyond. In this episode of the podcast we are going to have some fun talking about cutting edge tech and your role in the future of technology.
Success story! April Tacotaco shares her remarkable story of how she got hired in tech while pregnant, and what her journey was like up to that point. April has had many highs and many lows throughout her getting hired journey, and I know you will be inspired and encouraged by her incredible story.
Do you dread Mondays? How important to you is loving your work? The way you view work can have a profound impact on your mental, physical, and financial wellbeing. In this week’s episode I share how you can do less of what you don’t love in order to do more of what you truly love. Tune in to hear my unconventional idea for delegating tasks, even as an employee, in order to do more of what really matters to you and your future.
What if I told you that you have so much value to share with others right now, exactly where you are? Being a mentor doesn’t have to be complicated and formal - it can be quite the opposite! In today’s episode I share how and you can be a mentor right now, exactly where you are in your tech journey and why being a mentor is so valuable to others and your own career.
How much money do you want to earn? When you think about your earning potential, and all the possibilities for your future - are you scared or excited? In today’s episode of the You are techY podcast, I discuss our insecurities and limiting thoughts about earning money, and how to change your mindset in order to contribute even more value to the world.
Success story! Katie Barriere shares her incredible story of how she made the transition from stay at home mom to UX designer at a Fortune 500 FinTech company. I know you’ll be inspired as you listen to Katie share about her passion for accessibility and remaining true to herself while getting hired as a full time UX designer.
Product is a term that gets thrown around in tech all the time. But what does it mean? In today’s episode of the podcast, we are talking about all things product. Creating a great product is what tech is all about so it's important to understand your role in that process. Knowing how to talk about software products in tech will elevate you in your job search and position you as the expert you are… or very soon will be!
How can you show up to an interview as your best self, ready to answer those not-so-typical questions that really showcase how special you are? How can you be even more prepared for the interview process for your dream job? In this episode I revisit some of our most compelling podcast guest episodes as I share some of their favorite “secret weapon” interview questions.
Have you ever found yourself thoroughly frustrated by an app? There are usually two possibilities - either it wasn’t designed for you or it wasn’t designed well! UX design helps solve these problems and more, and the world needs your perspective in order to present better digital products in the future. In this episode I share my method for getting inspired, solving big problems and executing like a pro.
Coding is for you! Have you ever had the thought - “coding is not for me”? In this episode of the podcast we discuss how coding is an amazing, incredible, and very doable career for anyone, especially you. Tune in to learn how to get started on the path to the tech career of your dreams!
Welcome back to the podcast. New Year? New Ideas. This podcast does not disappoint. We are bringing you, our corporate listeners, a whole new way to hire. This way is pleasant, fun and yields results for much less investment and much more diversity. Tune in to find out how You are techY is smoothing the on-ramp from tech candidate to HIRED!
Success story! In this our encore episode of episode 86, Getting Paid with Erin Ziebart, we talk about so much more than getting paid (though it is about that too!). It’s about confidence and diligence, practice and belief. It’s Erin’s story, but I know you will find a lot of inspiration because it’s your story too. It’s about believing in yourself BEFORE all the pieces are in place and it’s about getting paid your value by communicating that value and asking for it!
Welcome to the encore episode of our very first podcast - the foundation four.
It covers everything you need to know to be techy. In this, my very first episode, I’m debunking the myth that you don’t get to be techy because you can’t work a tv remote or whatever other lie you’ve been telling yourself and that there IS a tech job for you!
Our You are techY 100th episode giveaway winners are announced! Looking ahead is crucial to your success because your brain is always going to default to what is wrong, what is not work and why your future is not possible. Tune in to get clarity on why spending time looking ahead is crucial to getting the results in your life, and the steps on how to do it effectively.
Do you have joy at work? My guests on this episode of this podcast do. Helen Hagos and Lisa Ho work for Chief Joy Officer Richard Sheridan at Menlo Innovations. Rich, along with his co-founder James Goebel, created Menlo to “end human suffering in the world as it relates to technology.”®. That’s a lofty goal who’s solution involves paired programming, zero bosses and total transparency in the workplace.
Are you wondering what the day to day of your tech life will look like? Well, look no further than this episode where I dive deep into all the things tech, ux, dev and agile. You’ll learn how to set yourself up for success and drive through the day with energy and value.
Episode 100 is cause for a celebration and I’m choosing to celebrate YOU! You will not believe the amazing gifts sponsors Motorola, Amour Vert and Michael Hyatt & Co are dishing out to YOU! Tune in to find out why I am so thankful for you and how to earn prizes worth over twenty-three hundred dollars to celebrate my gratitude!
We are back at it again folks with some confidence building strategies to support you to and through your getting hired goal. We’ll get specific on how super successful people like Mel Robbins and Lewis Howes live out confidence in their life. You’ll hear how you can build confidence too, by first showing up for yourself even when you feel like an imposter. You’ll learn the strategies to implement so your confidence oozes like your kids’ Halloween slime!
Gretchen Wolynec had no idea when she walked into her first professional meetup, her life would change forever! She met her future boss by sitting next to her, being her authentic self and overcoming her self doubt. Tune in to hear Gretchen’s incredible story from Health and Wellness coaching to working on two agile tech teams, all while raising four beautiful children. I know you will relate to this kind hearted, techy mom! Come meet Gretchen.
Are you looking to be the candidate hiring managers are looking for? Do you want to show up confidently for your next interview? Then this is the podcast for you! In this episode, Ellen covers how there is no better time to GET HIRED than right now. It’s an employee’s market so jump into the hiring pool my friend. She’ll walk you through what it looks like to get hired in this post(ish)-Covid world, how to leverage your previous experience, learn the right new skills and communicate your value so you show as your most confident self. Tune in to find out how!
Whitney Johnson is the founder and CEO of Whitney Johnson’s Disruption Advisors. She is the host of the award winning Disrupt Yourself podcast where she interviews the world’s most successful thinkers and doers, mostly women, about their own personal disruption stories. Whitney joins us to talk about her own story, disruption, and personal growth in part one of this two part interview!
Whitney Johnson is the founder and CEO of Whitney Johnson’s Disruption Advisors. She is the host of the award winning Disrupt Yourself podcast where she interviews the world’s most successful thinkers and doers about their own personal disruption stories. Whitney joins us to talk about her own story, disruption, and personal growth in part one of this two part interview!
Your dream job is not just a dream. It’s a “north star” that can keep you on the right trajectory, both in your job search and even at home. By actively defining and believing in your dream job, you will grow your focus so that you more clearly see what is (and isn't) your dream job. Instead of drifting back and forth, you will empower yourself with focus!
Ahhh the paycheck. It’s a tricky one, isn’t it? We somehow feel attached to the annual number of our income like it is a part of our identity. But is it? Does it help us to think about this amount of money as a part of who we are? How is that preventing us from fully growing in our craft and contribution? Learn how to separate your personal value from your earned income so that you can earn your MARKET value.
Nick Cooley is the Director of UX Engineering at Blackrock. He has spent the last 20 years in and around UX and development. He started in the field of UX when UX meant, what size and shape are the buttons. He’s seen tech from many different angles and he’s on the podcast to give you a sense of what tech can look like and how to approach your tech career from the always learning.
If you are new to breaking into tech, you might want to know the “secret”. Half of that secret is: build a portfolio. If you’ve been at this for a while, you likely know you need a portfolio but feel overwhelmed and stuck by the nuances of what to include. This episode can help. It can help build a focused plan, as well as save you time and money by learning what not to do. You’ve got this. Portfolios for the win!
Ryan Keefer works as the Group Interactive Director for Centerline Digital where he collaborates and advises on the development and design of user experiences that drive clients’ business growth. Ryan also writes and builds content for North Carolina’s Courage - the women’s professional soccer team. Tune in to find out how Ryan thinks about the frontend side of things in an in-depth and comprehensive way, not to mention what his favorite secret weapon interview questions are!
Jen Dewalt built 180 websites in 180 days. It was a project that went virtual when she least expected it and one that propelled her career as a serial entrepreneur. Jen was recommended for the podcast by (Tools of) Titan(s) Derek Sivers. After speaking with Jen, it made complete sense why Derek recommended her. She is fun, kind, interesting and successful. She is also a fabulous mentor on the path to getting hired in tech or really any hard-to-reach goal that you truly commit to doing. Keep it simple. Be persistent. Keep going through the hard. Tune to hear Jen’s story. I know you’ll love her spirit, humility and generosity.
Is a tech career really possible for you? The reality is the path to getting hired in tech is filled with different answers to this question. In your brain, anyway. The short answer is - yes. It’s possible for you. The challenge is in how we handle it when we hit a roadblock and we think that it means we aren’t cut out for tech, but what it really means is this is the exact challenge you need for the growth required to get into tech. Find out how to tune your brain to the channel of “yes” to a career in tech!
I’ve talked to hiring managers and recruiters to find out exactly what you need to communicate to them to get hired in the tech job of your dreams. Tune in to find out the EXACTLY script to say to show them why you are the right person for the job! You’ll also hear the filters to use as you go through your experience and skills so you are putting the things on your resume that hiring managers are looking for!
Success story! Getting Paid with Erin Ziebart is about so much more than getting paid (though it is about that too!). It’s about confidence and diligence, practice and belief. It’s Erin’s story, but I know you will find a lot of inspiration because it’s your story too. It’s about believing in yourself BEFORE all the pieces are in place and it’s about getting paid your value by communicating that value and asking for it!
Going into tech is not just a nice to have, it’s a must have for moms. It’s so important that we build a digital world full of what we want our children to see, hear and be. Join me for this (perhaps) new perspective on why being in tech is essential for moms.
What does it really take to become a web designer? What skills do you need? What projects should you focus on for your portfolio? Most importantly, how do you communicate the skills you have with a potential employer? Tune in to this episode to find out these important answers and more.
UX Design vs. Web Design. What really is the difference? This discrepancy can be very small or very large, depending on who is listing the title. Tune in to find out what to call yourself, what skills you need, and how to align yourself to the job market.
To work for yourself or not, what is the path for you? That is the question. Freelance might just be the answer. If you’re thinking about getting hired but not quite sure one employer will work for the goals you have for yourself, a freelance career might be just right for you. With the ability to choose your clients, your rate and your work freelance offers the optimum experience in flexibility. Tune in to find out the pros (and cons) of freelancing as a career.
Last episode I talked about the 7 steps to get hired in tech. If you focus on them and do them, you’ll get hired in tech. You will need to learn a few things, but you will absolutely get hired in tech. How long will it take? It depends. It depends on how willing you are to replace your to do list with actions that matter. Tune in to find out exactly what those actions are.
You are in for a real treat today. I do believe this just might be the most important and impactful podcast I have done to date. From what I’ve seen with my students, coachees and mentees after years now of doing this work, these steps ARE the keys to getting hired in the tech job of your dreams. They are really simple and they are really hard. They can change your life if you let them. Let’s do this!
Let’s talk about the questions that are NOT helping you, but are likely going through your mind if you’re a newbie ready to return to work in tech. Questions like; what software do I need to know, am I capable of learning this hard stuff, and how much will I make. I want to give it to you straight - those questions are NOT helping you earn the income you are capable of and your family deserves. Instead, in this episode, I’ll teach you the 3 questions that will actually help you get back to work in a high-paying, flexible job so you can be the mom you want to be earning the paycheck you know you are capable of earning.
The problem most of us are making on the road to getting hired in tech is lack of clarity. We lack clarity when defining our ultimate goal, but we also lack clarity with our day-to-day tasks. This lack of clarity causes us to spend too much time in indecision preventing us from taking the massive action that we could be. Tune in to this week’s episode where I share with you an actionable way to build clarity into your goals and your life so you not only keep moving forward on your goals, but also enjoy the process.
Pamela Culpepper serves up Diversity in Action with confidence and grace. As a mom breaking into tech, you’ll learn how to position yourself as a candidate corporations can’t wait to hire. Corporations will hear insights on recruiting and retaining top diversity talent from Pamela’s decades of experience in human resources and diversity at the highest levels of PepsiCo and CBOE, as well as from her instrumental diversity consultancy Have Her Back.
Confidence building is a process. There are many steps you can take to get better in this area, but the most important thing is to build habits that support it. Every time you don’t show up for yourself, you are damaging your confidence. You can look for other culprits, but those are just distractions. The real key to being confident, is to focus on improving those habits that show you are more and more committed to your future self.
Learn how tech moms are learning all over the nation with tech-moms. This Utah-based duo is building a community of moms who are upping their tech skills big time without any previous experience to transition into tech careers. They are providing live onsite and online classrooms where moms with no prior experience are encouraged to join in and grow!
Ahh the dreaded interview! It’s so scary to prepare for any interview let alone a technical interview. How can we show up confidently so we can nail the interview and get hired! This episode I’ll talk about some mistakes I’m seeing and guide you through a specific process to help you rock that interview!
I don’t know how you do it! I get that comment a lot when someone hears that I have 5 kids and my husband and I both have our own businesses. I get it. It feels like you are running a hundred miles per hour already. What if you added a kid or a business to that? Well, we don’t have things all figured out. There are many others out there doing much more and much better than we are, but we have some tools that help us and we want to share them with you. Join Kevin (and Gwen) and I as we share some of the things that have worked for us in our work-life reality!
Are you ready to take a challenge head-on? Or to create new challenges for yourself? Doing hard things is valuable, and you should think so, too. Not convinced? Listen to this week’s podcast episode. I break it down for you while showing you how to overcome the small failures along the way while doing hard things!
This week’s guest is Tiffany Roese. She’s the Vice President and Lead UX Designer for Blackstone Group. Tiffany’s story is a great way to see first how leadership opportunities in UX. You’ll hear about HCI - Human to Computer Interaction, putting the user first and how technical skills are helpful for seeing what’s possible for the user experience. Join us for this interactive discussion on all things user!
I think this may just be the most important topic on the podcast to date. Here’s why. We are going to talk about what it should feel like when you start learning tech. Now I’m not sure about you, but I’ve never heard a tech lesson on how it should feel. This is important because women who start off in a course or in a bootcamp and they feel totally lost might immediately go to - there must be something wrong with me. I must not be cut out for this. There isn’t and you are.
Learn why “job hunting” is the wrong language and what really are the right actions to take when it comes to getting hired in tech. Let’s dive into exactly how to spend two hours a day if a job in tech is your goal!
Laurie Etheridge is no stranger to leadership. She has been on the product marketing side of fashion for the majority of her career, so taking the helm of her most recent venture, Amour Vert, was less of a leap and more of a gentle step towards her life’s passion. Laurie is focused on contributing to life in a way that will make the world a more sustainable place for her son’s generation. Using technology and product ingenuity, Laurie stops by the podcast to share motherhood’s impact on career choices, fashion innovation though a sustainability lens and her favorite interview questions in hiring tech talent.
I know that really wanting it feels true some days and other days you wonder if it’s worth the effort. Reminding yourself of your why each and every day can be helpful to getting yourself motivated to do the work and keep moving forward. Working in tech is inherently fun and interesting. Most people who go into it really enjoy the work, but there will always be parts of any job that are not your favorite; that you don’t really want to do. How do you overcome those challenges? Learn about that and more in this week’s episode of the podcast.
By identifying what we want to put our mental energy towards ahead of time, we can more easily identify distractions that are preventing us from achieving our goals. Achieving your goals requires more than just putting time on your calendar (although that’s a great first step). It requires learning from the time you spend on your goal activities and getting better and better at executing them so you have more value to offer potential future employers or clients. Join me for this empowering podcast on overcoming distractions.
Think you are committed to your goals? Join me for this amazing conversation with guest Naijeria Toweett as she takes us through her journey to attend an in-person bootcamp in Barcelona that was a 10 hour flight from her hometown of Nairobi, Kenya where she lives with her 3 children and husband. Learn about her amazing journey of making tech happen for her and how she wants to do the same for you.
You likely work really hard. So what does it mean to execute like a pro? Don’t I just mean work hard? No, it’s more than that. Hiring managers are looking for an employee who will execute again and again consistently. They come to work each day ready to give that little something extra. They are looking at the whole of the organization and how their work fits into that hole so they can execute a higher level.
Visit YouaretechY.com for more.
Be an all-star work! Interested in how to be the all-star? It starts by answering your own tech questions. By now you are wondering, how can I do that when I’m new and I don’t know that much about tech! Tune in to find out. Being confident you are asking the right question with the right amount of upfront work is priceless to your career. This process will help you answer your own question or confidently move forward with the best possible question for your manager. That’s how you become an all-star!
Answer your own tech question.
Be an all start work by confidently knowing you are asking the right questions.
Learn the common tech factors that cause errors, bugs and confusion.
Visit YouaretechY.com for more.
Happy New You! Just a little inspiration to help you jumpstart your new year with a new you. I know new year’s resolutions are notoriously not followed through on. I despise the chaos of the gym the first week of January! This podcast will help you gain (and keep) momentum so that your new you is always in sight!
Your new you is waiting and we can’t wait to meet her!
Jump into your new you with this new year inspiration!
Visit YouAreTechy.com for more.
Your best you requires having a destination in mind. We’ll dive into why a destination is so important and why YOU and only you are the best person to determine that destination. We’ll talk a lot about what to stop doing in your life that will lead to your best you, as well explore why you don’t always sound as smart as you are. The holiday season is a great time to refresh and restore, let’s use it to ensure your best you is a daily experience!
Which way should I go? Why defining your destination is so important.
Don’t do anything until you select your destination.
What to stop doing.
Why you don’t sound as smart as you are.
Why execution is your problem - not ability.
Taking time to refresh and restore during this holiday season.
Visit YouAreTechy.com for more.
This episode is all about your next chapter. What will that look like? I know you have a great life and there are many things to celebrate in your life. Striving to get to the next chapter does not mean leaving those behind or taking them for granted. It’s important to honor where you are and be proud of that. Moving to the next chapter, however, is all about your goals and your growth. You deserve that too! Let’s take a look at what it looks like to move to the next chapter!
The next chapter of your life. What will that look like?
Staying focused through the busyness of the holiday season.
Taking time off does not have to derail you from your goals.
How to keep moving forward on your Next Chapter
Visit YouAreTechy.com for more.
Our guest today is no other than financial coach extraordinaire Denise Shull. She is the inspiration behind the popular Billions character, Wendy Rhoades (the financial coaching part, anyway), and has run the very popular ReThink Group for the last 17 years. She and her team leverage neuroscience to improve performance and risk-taking in leaders working in trading and investing, sports and entertainment. Most recently Denise has released Intuition Brain Games, a game-based software that elevates your decision-making capabilities through game-based play and engagement. Our conversation focuses on not only Denise’s work, but how it can help you in your career journey. This is a can’t-miss episode!
How to improve your intuition.
Analyze and leverage your emotions for powerful and effective decision making.
Look at what mistake you keep on making to learn from it and leverage a new path for greater results in your life.
Visit YouAreTechy.com for more.
When was the last time you took a break and did something just for yourself? For a lot of moms, it’s really hard to take care of our own needs when we have our families to look after as well. Here’s something I’ve learned: Helping yourself leads to helping others in an even better way. But I still struggle with this, too! Join me this week to talk through how self care IS worth your time and can lead to great things in your personal and professional lives.
Visit YouAreTechy.com for more.
HR has an alter ego. It’s name is Employee of Choice, and the mom behind it is the incredible Meme Scott. Meme is Founder and CEO of the company, which aims to create safe spaces for vulnerable employees through training on workplace interaction and more. Take a listen to our conversation on the show this week to hear about how Meme unleashes tech for social good and her advice for fellow moms considering a career in tech.
Visit YouAreTechy.com for more.
You have a lot of skills. Yes, I’m talking to YOU! As a mom, as a woman, as someone who’s worked multiple jobs—you’ve been picking up skills all over the place. Unfortunately, there’s just not room for you to mention all of them in the job application process. Try making a list, and whittling it down to the most relevant. I’ll talk you through this helpful trick and more on the podcast this week. Because yes, it is possible to have too much of a good thing.
Visit YouAreTechy.com for more.
This episode is brought to you by The Mom Project. The Mom Project is the leading career destination for moms, and it’s on a mission to make a better workplace for women and everyone. We move forward when we move together, and The Mom Project provides you with both community support - over 300,000 moms deep - and job opportunities designed to meet you where you are and help you grow and achieve throughout your journey. Sign up for The Mom Project now at TheMomProject.com. See what opportunities await you.
Founder and CEO of The Social Institute, Laura Tierney, joins me to discuss how The Social Institute empowers students to positively navigate their social world, including social media and technology. Their positive, student-led approach has been applauded by Melinda Gates and featured by The Washington Post, NPR, and USA Today. Laura is a 2018 award winner of the Triangle Business Journal's 40-under-40, a graduate of Duke University and an All-ACC Academic Honoree in field hockey, a sport in which she made four NCAA Tournament appearances.
Teaching kids how to be a positive force for good on social media
Being a mom while founding a company
Accepting social media as part of the culture and ensuring it’s positive influence
Visit YouAreTechy.com for more.
This episode is brought to you by The Mom Project. The Mom Project is the leading career destination for moms, and it’s on a mission to make a better workplace for women and everyone. We move forward when we move together, and The Mom Project provides you with both community support - over 300,000 moms deep - and job opportunities designed to meet you where you are and help you grow and achieve throughout your journey. Sign up for The Mom Project now at TheMomProject.com. See what opportunities await you.
Today we are talking about “flexible, high-paying jobs” which is the focus of You are techY. We believe moms are the answer to the tech workforce gap and we believe moms want to fill that role because tech jobs offer the flexibility and high pay that moms desire so they can support their families, and be the great moms they want to be. Moms new to tech can benefit from understanding which tech jobs are high-paying and flexible to focus skilling-up on the most important skills for those specific jobs.
What jobs actually are high-paying and flexible
Examples of high paying and flexible jobs
How to turn your focus on obtaining one of those high-paying, flexible tech jobs
Visit YouAreTechy.com for more.
This episode is brought to you by The Mom Project. The Mom Project is the leading career destination for moms, and it’s on a mission to make a better workplace for women and everyone. We move forward when we move together, and The Mom Project provides you with both community support - over 300,000 moms deep - and job opportunities designed to meet you where you are and help you grow and achieve throughout your journey. Sign up for The Mom Project now at TheMomProject.com. See what opportunities await you.
Developer & Author Miriam Tocino helps your kids get excited about the world of technology through the power of books that are just right for you to read to your kids. She began her career in architecture making the switch to tech first in software development and then teaching software development for Codaisseur. After becoming a mom, Miriam was inspired to introduce technology to children and used books as her vehicle. As the author of Zerus and Ona book series, Miriam is on a mission to make computers more approachable, friendly and easy to understand and to get you and your family excited about technology.
Teaching kids about computer and technology
Women in tech
Digital experiences are human experiences
Visit YouAreTechy.com for more.
This episode is brought to you by The Mom Project. The Mom Project is the leading career destination for moms, and it’s on a mission to make a better workplace for women and everyone. We move forward when we move together, and The Mom Project provides you with both community support - over 300,000 moms deep - and job opportunities designed to meet you where you are and help you grow and achieve throughout your journey. Sign up for The Mom Project now at TheMomProject.com. See what opportunities await you.
Let’s talk about your previous experience and how it can apply to your future tech job so you can find meaningful, flexible, high-paid work that supports your career and your family. In this episode, we’ll dive deep into when you need to skill up and when you need to leverage previous experience. So frequently we think, if we just had these 5, 7 or 10 more skills, we’d be qualified. All too often that is fear, not the marketplace talking. Tune in to find out how to evaluate your current skills, your skills gap and a plan for acquiring the skills to get hired or level up. This is a strategy that will work throughout your career, so jump in and enjoy!
All experience is good experience
Look at your experience in a new light
Digital experiences are human experiences
Visit YouAreTechy.com for more.
This episode is brought to you by The Mom Project. The Mom Project is the leading career destination for moms, and it’s on a mission to make a better workplace for women and everyone. We move forward when we move together, and The Mom Project provides you with both community support - over 300,000 moms deep - and job opportunities designed to meet you where you are and help you grow and achieve throughout your journey. Sign up for The Mom Project now at TheMomProject.com. See what opportunities await you.
Alexandra Thomas is a talented, fun-loving tech mom! You’ll love her story about being a Starbucks barista and how that stop on the journey influenced her. Her tech journey felt challenging until one day it just clicked. Learning from home to build a portfolio composed of part UX / part frontend development, Alexandra landed freelance clients and then solidified her current role as a Creative and People-focused Frontend Developer. Tune in to hear about this authentic story of work, life and motherhood.
From Barista to UX and Dev, how Alexandra did it and you can too
What daily work on a UX/FE Dev looks like
Transitioning to in-office work
Visit YouAreTechy.com for more.
This episode is brought to you by The Mom Project. The Mom Project is the leading career destination for moms, and it’s on a mission to make a better workplace for women and everyone. We move forward when we move together, and The Mom Project provides you with both community support - over 300,000 moms deep - and job opportunities designed to meet you where you are and help you grow and achieve throughout your journey. Sign up for The Mom Project now at TheMomProject.com. See what opportunities await you.
We’ve all been there. We’ve changed our minds for one reason or another. Maybe you changed your mind about your college major. Maybe you changed your mind about a home you were going to live in or a job you were going to accept. Changing our minds is part of the human experience. But when can we be sure we are changing our minds for the right reasons and not because we are afraid? Fear can be a powerful emotion that can cloud our judgement or guide us to the best solution. This episode will guide you through the questions to ask yourself to ensure that you are changing your mind using sound logic instead of fear.
When changing your mind is sound logic versus fear
Why the apprenticeship model is so powerful
How learning something in one area of tech helps you in other areas
Visit YouAreTechy.com for more.
This episode is brought to you by The Mom Project. The Mom Project is the leading career destination for moms, and it’s on a mission to make a better workplace for women and everyone. We move forward when we move together, and The Mom Project provides you with both community support - over 300,000 moms deep - and job opportunities designed to meet you where you are and help you grow and achieve throughout your journey. Sign up for The Mom Project now at TheMomProject.com. See what opportunities await you.
Learn about the inspiration for You are TechY! Her name is Katelyn Myer and she was the first person, outside of myself, where I saw a true lack of alignment between value and belief. Katelyn is an exceptional technologist. She craves feedback and learns best by doing. She is organized, skilled and brings a user’s perspective to everything she does. Learn her amazing journey through tech which she traveled as the sole breadwinner for her two adorable boys. You don’t want to miss Katelyn’s amazing story!
Single-motherhood while rising in your tech career
The job search journey is unexpected and filled with valleys and mountains
Believing in yourself is a key component to growing your career. It’s never easy, but it is worth it!
FREE ONLINE TRAINING
The 3 Strategies to Jump-start Your UX Career, Without Spending a Fortune on a Degree
Hosted by You are TechY founder & UX Designer, Ellen Twomey
Thursday, October 1, 2020 7:00 PM EDT YouAreTechy.com/Jumpstart
When I sat at home on the couch during naptime doing the Indeed Death Scroll, I dreamed of a tech job that would pay me 6 figures while allowing me to be the mom I wanted to be. It was just a pipe dream until it wasn’t. Until I decided that it was going to happen and nothing was going to stop me. I know many of you feel the same way. I’m smart enough to do this. I’m capable. How can I make this happen!? Tune in to find out.
What it takes to make 6 figures in tech while maintaining flexibility
The tech jobs that will get you to 6 figures the fastest
How to shorten your climb to 6 figures and why that should be your goal if it’s not already
This episode is sponsored by our new free training - 3 Steps to a Flexible, High-Paying Tech Job - The Dream Job Every Mom Wants. In it I’ll cover the requirements for a flexible job, especially if you are a mom, how to build your 6 figure salary trajectory, why tech is great for moms and why moms are great for tech. Join me this Tuesday for this helpful and fun free training - 3 Steps to a Flexible, High-Paying Tech Job. Sign up at youaretechy.com/3steps.
Ursula Mead is the Founder and CEO of InHerSight, a powerful product in the data space designed specifically to help women make better career choices through anonymous company reviews focused on their goals and definitions of success. InHerSight provides data for hundreds of thousands of companies. Her work in Product Management and Director and VP appointments in membership at the Motley Fool, along with her experiences as a mother guided her founding of InHerSight to help women make better career choices.
Women-rated companies for honest assessments of hundreds of thousands of companies
How CEO Ursula Mead was inspired to found her company from her experience of motherhood
How a cultural fit is exactly what you need for the tech job of your dreams
This episode is sponsored by our new free training - 3 Steps to a Flexible, High-Paying Tech Job - The Dream Job Every Mom Wants. In it I’ll cover the requirements for a flexible job, especially if you are a mom, how to build your 6 figure salary trajectory, why tech is great for moms and why moms are great for tech. Join me this Tuesday for this helpful and fun free training - 3 Steps to a Flexible, High-Paying Tech Job. Sign up at youaretechy.com/3steps.
Knowing how to present yourself on a resume is hard enough. Throw in there some technical skills and it can be down-right overwhelming. In this episode we’ll cover the details that make your tech resume stand out, including how to make a LinkedIn resume shine, how to write value-added job descriptions and what LinkedIn settings will have automated recruiting systems pulling your profile up to the top of the pile.
Value-added descriptions on your tech resume
What tech skills you absolutely need on your resume
How your LinkedIn profile IS your resume
This episode is sponsored by our new free training - 3 Steps to a Flexible, High-Paying Tech Job - The Dream Job Every Mom Wants. In it I’ll cover the requirements for a flexible job, especially if you are a mom, how to build your 6 figure salary trajectory, why tech is great for moms and why moms are great for tech. Join me this Tuesday for this helpful and fun free training - 3 Steps to a Flexible, High-Paying Tech Job. Sign up at youaretechy.com/3steps.
Attorney may not be the first career that comes to mind when you’re thinking about a career in tech, but Liz Stanek's work in patent law leaves no doubt in her techy status. Think you can’t have a successful career and be a great mom? Think again. Liz and her 5 kids show us that motherhood and career success do not have to be at odds. Come spend some time with my friend Liz where we share the secrets of this entrepreneurial mama of five (plus breaking news from You are techY that’s sure to surprise you!)
This episode is sponsored by our new free training - 3 Steps to a Flexible, High-Paying Tech Job - The Dream Job Every Mom Wants. In it I’ll cover the requirements for a flexible job, especially if you are a mom, how to build your 6 figure salary trajectory, why tech is great for moms and why moms are great for tech. Join me this Tuesday for this helpful and fun free training - 3 Steps to a Flexible, High-Paying Tech Job. Sign up at youaretechy.com/3steps.
Nothing quite puts fear in the hearts of people everywhere like interviewing. Maybe it’s the feeling of being judged or the evaluation component or possible rejection, but it is definitely a top fear for returners and currently working moms. Great news for you interviewing or soon-to-be interviewing, there is something you can do about that soul-sucking fear! A lot, actually. Gaining confidence is a skill and you can learn it. I’ll show you how!
In this episode, you'll learn:
● 4 specific tools you can use to gain confidence that directly impact your interviewing.
● How to prepare for an interview so you sound more confidence than you feel
● How your family can help you with your interview skills.
This episode is sponsored by our new free training - 3 Steps to a Flexible, High-Paying Tech Job - The Dream Job Every Mom Wants. In it I’ll cover the requirements for a flexible job, especially if you are a mom, how to build your 6 figure salary trajectory, why tech is great for moms and why moms are great for tech. Join me this Tuesday for this helpful and fun free training - 3 Steps to a Flexible, High-Paying Tech Job. Sign up at youaretechy.com/3steps.
Knowing whether tech is right for you is the first step, but once you’ve made that decision with action, developing a portfolio of your experience to show potential employers, when do you know the right time to start applying? Finding the right time to get hired in tech might surprise you. Dive into this podcast to walk you through the questions to ask yourself and ensure you are getting to your goal at the right pace!
This episode is sponsored by our new free training - 3 Steps to a Flexible, High-Paying Tech Job - The Dream Job Every Mom Wants. In it I’ll cover the requirements for a flexible job, especially if you are a mom, how to build your 6 figure salary trajectory, why tech is great for moms and why moms are great for tech. Join me this Tuesday for this helpful and fun free training - 3 Steps to a Flexible, High-Paying Tech Job. Sign up at youaretechy.com/3steps.
Looking for support and tips as you return to the workforce? Look no further than Katie Dunn; Director of Career Services at Momentum Learning, CEO and Founder of the Back to Business Conference and host of the "Get a Job. Here's How" podcast. Back to Business is designed for professionals returning to the workforce after serving as a SAHM and Katie is well-equipped to advise, not only in her current and previous roles in career services, but also from her personal experience of returning the workforce while raising her four beautiful children.
This episode is sponsored by our new free training - 3 Steps to a Flexible, High-Paying Tech Job - The Dream Job Every Mom Wants. In it I’ll cover the requirements for a flexible job, especially if you are a mom, how to build your 6 figure salary trajectory, why tech is great for moms and why moms are great for tech. Join me this Tuesday for this helpful and fun free training - 3 Steps to a Flexible, High-Paying Tech Job. Sign up at youaretechy.com/3steps.
UX Design is a hot topic when it comes to product development. Everyone wants to know, how can we create a product our customers will LOVE? That’s why it’s such a great job to consider. It’s in high demand, in need for the foreseeable future and offers a highly competitive salary. But what exactly is UX Design? Join me this episode to learn about the insider secrets of UX Design so you can elevate your UX Design career!
You are Techy is hosted by Ellen Twomey, whose mission is to bring women into the meaningful, flexible, well-paid work of tech through education and inspiration. She is committed to furthering the presence of women in the tech field through the promotion of the techy mindset.
http://youaretechy.com/ux/
There are many different levels, types, and genres of development. Becoming a Full Stack Developer makes sense for several reasons. You can start at an entry level with the addition of “Jr.” and yet, you’ll have a well-rounded development experience; one that you can build on and grow from leading to a meaningful and impactful career in software development. Let’s take a look at one specific path that’ll take you down the Full Stack Development Path.
You are Techy is hosted by Ellen Twomey, whose mission is to bring women into the meaningful, flexible, well-paid work of tech through education and inspiration. She is committed to furthering the presence of women in the tech field through the promotion of the techy mindset.
http://youaretechy.com/ux/
Tania Rascia is a rare breed, an exceptional web developer who is also able to explain development in a Her clear, uncluttered manner. It’s likely why she has attracted over 13000 twitter followers. She writes simple to understand development instructional manuals that are the cat’s meow for web developers experienced and new. Her clear, uncluttered approach is not only how she teaches. Tania has been praised by colleagues for her clean approach to programming, including one comment: “Tania writes some of the best written and efficient code I have seen”.
You are Techy is hosted by Ellen Twomey, whose mission is to bring women into the meaningful, flexible, well-paid work of tech through education and inspiration. She is committed to furthering the presence of women in the tech field through the promotion of the techy mindset.
http://youaretechy.com/ux/
Let's learn all about Agile Software Development. What is it, and why should you care? On this episode, you'll learn all about the Agile process, the 4 guiding principles, the manifesto, roles, ceremonies, and why learning Agile can help you get into tech.
You are Techy is hosted by Ellen Twomey, whose mission is to bring women into the meaningful, flexible, well-paid work of tech through education and inspiration. She is committed to furthering the presence of women in the tech field through the promotion of the techy mindset.
http://youaretechy.com/ux/
Addie Swartz is the founder of reacHIRE, which helps returners get back into the workforce by partnering with companies and providing training, coaching, and support throughout the returnship journey. Listen in as Addie discusses what reacHIRE is all about, her personal mission, and that question of when is the right time to return back to work.
You are Techy is hosted by Ellen Twomey, whose mission is to bring women into the meaningful, flexible, well-paid work of tech through education and inspiration. She is committed to furthering the presence of women in the tech field through the promotion of the techy mindset.
Visit https://youaretechy.com/start/ to see what course is right for you.
How can you add value so you can make more money in your tech career? You are Techy host Ellen Twomey has the answers.
You are Techy is hosted by Ellen Twomey, whose mission is to bring women into the meaningful, flexible, well-paid work of tech through education and inspiration. She is committed to furthering the presence of women in the tech field through the promotion of the techy mindset.
Visit https://youaretechy.com/start/ to see what course is right for you.
Jenny Chan is the founder of the Women in Web Development Facebook Group community with over 4,000 active members. Today on the show, we talk about that group and what inspired her to start it, what advice she has for women who are thinking of getting into tech, what her day to day routine is like, and why being an entrepreneur has reminded her of the stress and excitement of changing careers.
You are Techy is hosted by Ellen Twomey, whose mission is to bring women into the meaningful, flexible, well-paid work of tech through education and inspiration. She is committed to furthering the presence of women in the tech field through the promotion of the techy mindset.
Visit https://youaretechy.com/start/ to see what course is right for you.
Have you ever wondered if remote work is right for you? Really thought about if it is what you want? Maybe thought about if it is what you need right now? I will walk you through everything to consider when making these tough decisions. What it looks like to work remotely, how to do it successfully, and where to find remote work!
Author, entrepreneur, musician, and TED speaker, Derek Sivers is here to take a DEEP dive into his journey to becoming a self-taught developer! He offers up his greatest advice to moms who are thinking about a career in technology, two things you’ll want to know when starting! Derek also shares his unique strategy for learning programming and how to successfully demonstrate your skills!
There are 3 things you need to know and practice to be on your way to making more in tech! Just 3 things...and I break them down for you step by step. Stop listening to the everyday generalities and figure out where the value is in the marketplace! You’ve got to put yourself out there in order to grow and you’ve got to build accountability! Let's get started!
CEO of Fugitive Labs and self-taught developer, Erik Guffrey discusses parenthood and his entrepreneur journey! He shares what is expected of a jr. developer starting out compared to someone with 3-5 years of experience and even his recommendations when it comes to learning a new programming language!
Stop trying to learn everything and start focusing on the skills that align with your goal. Ask yourself, “do I need this to get hired?” If the answer is no...then move on! I will walk you through a strategy, the learning plan, that is sure to lead you down the right path to getting hired! This awesome plan applies to all tech roles which means it most certainly applies to you! Get started today!
Digital Marketing guru and CEO, Kristin Zhivago shares what it means to be a servant leader. Kristin walks us through her journey that includes a background of 40 years in technology...this mother and entrepreneur knows what she is talking about! From revenue coach to opening her own digital agency, she lets us in on a few principles worth noting when it comes to the business world.
Colleen Curtis & Margot Nash join me in discussing their roles as Head of Community & Communications and Director of Product Management for The Mom Project. They connect talented women with world-class employers that respect work and life integration! You guys...these are some cool mamma’s! We dive deep into how motherhood has played a role in their career, some of the good and bad that comes with their positions and even a little advice for you all when it comes to interviewing!
Did you know there is a way to cut your tech learning time in half? It’s no secret that time and time again we wish for more hours in the day to get to those things we never have the time for. That stops here, friends! You don’t need to be the expert. It’s about asking the right questions and very specific ones. Now, let’s trim that learning plan of yours!
Scrum master and agile coach, Erin Parsons takes us through her leap of faith and how she found herself in a tech role with no prior experience in the field! She will walk us through the day to day of a scrum master and how she manages 5 product teams. Also, we’ll talk about what type of skills and attributes would better serve in this specific role...maybe scrum master is your calling?
Let's talk about defining your DREAM tech job...before it defines you! YOU and only you can define your DREAM job. So, why do we need to define our dream tech job? I will walk you through a step by step process to help you gather the necessary information you need to define the tech job of your dreams! From there...we ITERATE.
You can land a UX job in 3 months if you follow my strategy! The key is to hone in on specific skills and not trying to learn everything. Set a timeline for your goals and then evaluate your progress. It is possible, I’ve seen the results first hand and you can achieve this if you dedicate yourself to this process!
Kristine Schaefer, with 19 years under her belt, in multiple positions with Microsoft, transitions her way into a change not only to a different company but role, as well! Yes, you heard me right...19 years with the same company! So, how did she make this leap? And what advice can she offer you? First and foremost, be your authentic self!
As women, we so often blame ourselves first...for example, “I’m completely not technical. I mean I don’t even know how to work the remote for the TV. I get my 10-year-old to do it.” When frustration arises from your attempt to use a product, consider this, “was this product designed for me?” This one small step is progress. Let's talk about how only YOU can decide that you are techy!
If you aren’t experiencing failure or rejection, you are most likely not moving forward in your tech career...or with anything for that matter. Let’s talk about how you can use that failure and rejection and apply it to your getting hired strategy….wait, what? You can do that? First things first, you have to do the work and you WILL face obstacles that need a solution!
Let’s talk about what it takes to be techy! And no, I don’t mean code. I mean really embracing the techy mindset. This is something I did and I know YOU can too! Stop blaming yourself and start blaming technology. You are probably thinking...what do you mean by this? I will go into detail about how you can empower yourself within the technology field and JUST DO IT!
Colleen Klausner, mother of four and senior technical recruiter, gives us specific details about what her role is all about and how you can put yourself in a better position to get hired! As a recruiter, Colleen knows a thing or two about the hiring process and she shares with us a few tips everyone should consider when going through the interviewing process and tending to your LinkedIn and resume!
Have you asked yourself, how do I go about building my UX portfolio? Where do I even begin and what does it take? I am going to give you 3 key tools that you need to build your UX portfolio, effectively and efficiently. I'll touch on the mistakes that most make during this process and how to avoid them, saving you loads of time! So, what are you waiting for? First things first, decide on a project and stick to it!
Emily Hardin, a mother of two, knows all about the crossover between product managing and parenting skills! Emily actually started off in a consulting role but to her surprise ended up as a product manager. She explains how important it is to get behind the product and some of the differences and similarities between a product manager and a product owner. Emily is passionate about bringing more women to tech and offers some advice for anyone considering a product manager role.
Whether you are new to tech or you have a few years under your belt, this episode is for you! When trying to figure out "what’s my value and how does that affect my career," it’s important to consider a few things. In this episode, I show you how you go about researching your market, what the market says about your value and how to apply this to your field. I'll touch on reasons why you might accept less pay on a job offer and how to add more value to your employer!
These 4 features that lead us to quality UX are for EVERYONE so do not shy away, because these tools come in handy! They are simple and easy to apply with just a little understanding of why they are put in place and how we can use them. I provide a video so that you can follow along and see specific details on the do’s and don’ts, making for a quick but yet effective learning tutorial.
Vidya Dinamani, co-founder and owner of Product Rebels and Ad Astra Ventures is here to share her journey with us and how she went from systems programming to landing herself in a product manager role. Vidya is passionate about helping female founders scale and grow their startups through different resources, such as a strong product, financial and leadership curriculum. We address implicit bias and how they play a role in the workforce, along with a typical day for Vidya running two companies. Don’t miss Vidya’s advice on how to build and strengthen your network through two key actions!
Jason Schreuder is here to give us intell on what it means to be an agile coach and how that can look different than scrum master as he has taken on both roles. Not only this but Jason tells us about the skills he learned as a military officer and how those transferred over into his career in tech, in more ways than one. As an agile coach for one of the largest investment firms in the US, Jason dives into the logistics of what it takes to help managers become leaders and work groups become teams...not an easy task. Find out Jason’s secret to entering the tech world and how to be successful!
The 20% of HTML that you need to get 80% effectiveness will scale your learning like never before. In this training, you'll get specific details on which parts of HTML are worth learning and spending time practicing! I will show you how to use w3schools in a way that will take your newfound tech skill to the next level. The 20% of HTML you take away from this podcast will allow you to HTML to your resume, a game-changer when applying for jobs. Once you land the job, you won't need to stress about not knowing a specific aspect to HTML. I show you how to always know the next step!
Jill Sanderson is here to give us some insight on all things scrum master and agility. Jill currently holds a position as a senior agile coach with Dude Solutions, a Raleigh-based SaaS organization. Although, she has found herself in a position she loves, at one time she was a stay at home mother, caring for two boys and building a community for herself, Happy Valley Moms. Jill created this group to meet new people, coordinate playdates, or nights out with the girls, connecting people, similar to her scrum and agile ways! Jill offers some helpful advice on getting involved in your community, online and locally. When it comes to being hesitant in taking that first initial leap, whether that's getting back into the workforce or changing career paths, Jill is an awesome example of just how being open to new experiences and challenging yourself can go a long way in your journey!
Rooted in Dr. Carol Dweck’s Growth Mindset principle, along with a splash of Craig Wortmann’s story-telling, the Big Picture Approach to Learning Tech is about more than just “project-based” learning. It is about training your brain to think a specific way so that you are in a position to learn - quickly, effectively and repeatedly. It can be tempting to want to “learn everything” when you are in tech; new or experienced. A much more effective way to learn tech, however, is to demonstrate to your potential employer as well as to yourself, how capable you are at learning tech skills. This will serve you over the long-haul of your career while enabling you to level-up again and again.
Father-of-seven podcaster Jason Ogle stops by to talk all things USER! As the creator and host of the iTunes category leading podcast User Defenders, Jason has spoken to UX designers and Marketing experts across the globe. We dive deep into his conversation with Marketing sensation Seth Godin plus we talk all things parenting including how parenting informs our designs. Between his own work experiences as a UX Designer and his dozens of podcast interviews, Jason has had the opportunity to really explore what it means to be a UX Designer. He sums it up this way, “Ask ten UX designers what they do and you’ll get ten different answers.”
Meet Sarah Brown, Usability Program Manager at MeetEdgar - the Octopus company! This mother of three went from piloting T-37 and T-38 aircraft for the United States Air Force to a tech career via a stint as a SAHM and a Social Media Manager. Sarah works 100% remotely, as do all MeetEdgar employees. She works directly to improve the already fantastic user experience at MeetEdgar which helps entrepreneurs and small business owners grow their business through social media. Sarah is an outstanding example of women in tech achieving meaningful, flexible, and well-paid work! We are so excited to share her unique journey with you!
We finish up our discussion with Margaret Dawson by discussing what it means to be a leader in tech, woman or not. Margaret's passion for people in the midst of the most technical of topics is refreshing and informative. We also talk about Margaret's passion project, Snort Out Loud where she is helping others to be exactly who they are by letting their light shine. True for anyone in any role, but certainly a relevant topic for being a woman in tech. Join us for this intriguing and hilariously real conversation!
Margaret Dawson is the VP Portfolio Product Marketing at Red Hat, recently acquired in the largest tech acquisition in history by IBM for $34B.
Margaret talks about re-entry from an international assignment. Her re-entry company? 2000 Amazon. Imagine that dynamic! She gives us the details including working with Jeff Bezos.
Margaret is an author and global speaker on digital disruption, emerging technologies, open source, cloud computing, and women leadership. As a mother of five, Margaret talks straight-talk about the tug and pull of being a great mom in the environment of a challenging work.
In delivering advice to her younger self, Margaret says, “Let it go. It doesn’t matter. Be true to you. Set those boundaries.”
Join us for a conversation about the human factors in technology.
Shelly Blackburn comes to us today with more than 25 years of experience in the Telecommunications and Networking industry. For the past 19 years, she has held various roles across Cisco’s Sales, Channel and Development organizations. In her current role, Shelly has responsibility for the entire global Security Systems Engineering organization which supports next-generation firewall, advanced malware protection, cloud security, and zero trust solutions. With a proven track record of increasing sales through the development and leadership of high-performing teams, she leads a World Wide organization of more than 500 security systems engineers and leaders dedicated to helping protect their customer’s network.
Shelly has a Bachelor of Science degree from Minnesota State University and a Master’s degree in Telecommunications from St. Mary’s University. She is also a graduate of Women Unlimited, the National Program for Women in Leadership, and is a key leader in the Cisco Empowered Women’s Network.
She is a mother of two beautiful children, one twelve-year-old daughter and one eleven -year-old son. Shelly is a strong voice for women in tech and we are happy to have her on the podcast today where she shares climbing the corporate jungle gym, secret weapon interview questions and advice for you on entering and leveling up your tech career.
In this inaugural episode we'll introduce you to the You are techY concept. We'll teach you the foundational four of techy-ness so you can find your inner techy goddess. We'll talk women-hood and motherhood in tech and answer the question, "What tech job is right for me?"